Sixty three year old Oscar winner Robin Williams was found dead at
home, August 11th, after an asphyxiation suicide death. His death comes after multiple bouts of substance abuse treatment for cocaine and alcohol
addictions and struggles with mental illness – as well as decades of strong
recovery and even stronger performances.

A spokesperson confirmed that “Williams had been battling
severe depression as of late” and that he had been staying in rehab
last month, working on his sobriety.

Though we don’t know the many individual reasons behind Williams' decision to take his own life, we do know from statistics that suicides
among middle-aged adults are on the rise.

From 1999 to 2010, suicide rates among middle-aged adults
increased by 28%.

Suicide rates spiked most among people in the 50 – 59 years
of age bracket – a 48.5% increase.

Suicide prevention efforts have traditionally focused on adolescents
and the elderly (65 and older). Rising
suicide rates among young and older middle-aged adults underscores a need for
targeted efforts that meet the needs of this forgotten demographic.

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